Tales of Women

Published from Herword.com

By Mary Anne S. Plaza

"Ang Babae sa Ating Panahon" highlights the displacement of women in society caused by globalization and the general avarice of people in power

The theatrical play Ang Babae sa Ating Panahon that was staged in the Huseng Batute was nothing but ordinary, for the setting was unusual in itself. Since the venue can particularly house a certain number of people, there was a distinct feeling of intimacy between the audience and the artists.

Judging from the stage props of dried leaves, tree trunks, wooden chairs and tribal percussions, the theme of the performance was unmistakably of ethnic origin. From the moment the lights dimmed and the actors made their way to the stage, I knew I wasn't the only one intrigued.

Ang Babae sa Ating Panahon consisted of two plays, the Sanlibongan (Sanctuary) and Pagbati (Pangs of Childbirth). Each performance spoke of the circumstances and the situation of women in indigenous tribes as well as the "babae sa masa" (women in the masses). The production tackled the displacement of women in society brought about by globalization and the general avarice of people in power.

The story of Sanlibongan centered on the personal stories of three women -- a 14 year old Manobo girl, a lowlander assimilated by the indigenous community and middle-aged Bagobo mother and an old Mandaya shaman. As their stories began to unfold, I could not help notice the way the audience seems to hold its breath in anticipation of each scene.

Sanlibongan pointed out the cruelty civilization imposes on the women. With their families and belongings turned apart by avaricious bourgeoisie and capitalists, women are dislocated from their natural space and being.

At one point, the three women mourn the plight of their people who have lost their right to their lands. The story brought together these characters who forged a climax of unity in the form of a powerful tribal dance.

What made the play so convincing (aside from the thespians' acting prowess) was the costume design and the use of authentic ethnic pieces such as musical instruments and ornamental pieces.

Pagbati

In Pagbati, snippets of songs, indigenous dances, monologues and poetry presented the experiences of women in Mindanao concerning the mythical and contemporary realities of childbirth.

"The poems and songs, which are contemporary, should be sung by actors in neutral wardrobe. They are not part of the action and not sung by the characters in the scenes before them, it is essential that the actors be not in character when they sing the songs and recite the poems," the production's writer and director noted.

Giving birth was portrayed through song, dance and monologue. This brought the experience to the audience who saw the impact of such process to the woman's body and her social consciousness.

For accuracy, Pagbati's script and sequencing were derived from the actresses' personal communion with the people from whom the story was adapted.

The attention of the audience was maintained throughout the performance as the actresses reached out to their audience, looked into their faces and even asked men questions about womanhood.

At the end of the production, an open forum was held to further discuss the issues tackled in the two performances.

Ang Babae sa Ating Panahon was such an enriching experience for me. As I stepped out of the theatre that day, a different light was shown to a picture that has long been overlooked.

March 25, 2003